Rochdale Trading standards Services are inviting local people to take advantage of a free electric blanket safety check.

Laurence Bell, the council's chief trading standards officer said: "Every year it is important to check that your electric blankets -are working properly and safely.

"Anyone with an old blanket which has not been regularly serviced by an electrician should take advantage of this offer."

Last year in similar tests, 42 per cent of 90 blankets inspected were found to have a fault of some kind or other.

This year's electric blanket checks are being carried out on Monday 30 September at Middleton CAB on Milton Street. Due to the expected high demand for the tests and appointment system will operate. To book please contact the electric blanket hotline on 01706 864179.